September 1st 1914.THE START of the first World War in August 1914 exposed deep divisions among nationalists, not least among the Irish Volunteers, who had been formed in response to the foundation and arming of the Ulster Volunteers to oppose Home Rule.
They incorporated a broad sweep of nationalist opinion and their differences were exposed quickly by the outbreak of the war. Many followed the lead of John Redmond, the Irish Party leader, in encouraging volunteers to join the British army, while others took the view that the war was England’s and the volunteers should have nothing to do with it.
One of the former was the earl of Fingall, Arthur Plunkett, who wrote an open letter to Col Maurice Moore, one of the founders of the Irish Volunteers, to explain his reasons for resigning.
Dear Colonel Moore, – I am reluctantly compelled to ask you to accept my resignation of the Inspectorship of the Meath National Volunteers. It is due to them, to you, and to myself that I should explain my reasons for this step.
Let me say at the outset that I have been received by the County Board and the local corps with the most friendly feelings, which I heartily reciprocate. But my duties have never been defined, and I have been forced to the conclusion that I am a fifth wheel to the coach. The County Board prefers to manage its own affairs, and, although it expresses its “willingness to act in complete harmony with the Central Provisional Committee, Dublin, and with Lords Fingall and Gormanston”, it is quite certain that, if I took any independent action with a view to carrying out what I am quite sure you, as a soldier, would approve, it might cause friction with the County Board. I feel, therefore, that I cannot even suggest things which I am convinced ought to be done in order to make the force in Meath thoroughly efficient.
I have another reason for resignation, which goes somewhat deeper. I joined the Volunteers in cordial sympathy with their avowed object “to secure and maintain the rights and liberties common to all the peoples of Ireland without distinction of creed, class, or politics”. But when the European war broke out this object assumed a different aspect. The best way to defend the rights and liberties of Ireland at the moment is, in my humble judgement, to induce every man willing to serve to join Lord Kitchener’s Army.
Next in urgency comes the defence of our coasts against foreign invaders, and this can be seriously undertaken by the Volunteers on one condition only – namely, that they should come under the War Office.
I find, to my great regret, that opinion in the National Volunteer Force is sharply divided both upon enlistment for service abroad and upon the necessary steps to enable the Volunteers to render efficient service at home.
Whatever future status, control, and organisation of the Volunteers may be best from an Irish point of view, I feel strongly that their service to Ireland in the present crisis depends upon cordial agreement to the two propositions I have ventured to submit to you.
You will, I am sure, believe that I am anxious to serve my country at this time, and that I would greatly have preferred to do so with the Volunteers. It is with genuine regret that I find I have no opportunity of real service in the position to which you appointed me.
Wishing you every success in your patriotic efforts – I am, yours sincerely,
Fingall.
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